Vitamin D might be just as important as vaccine to prevent effects of H1N1
swine flu, researchers say
That's the message vitamin D advocate
"I'm a little hesitant to say it will reduce your risk of being infected, but it certainly will reduce your risk of dying from the complications, such as pneumonia, if you are infected," says Grant, founder of the Sunlight, Nutrition and Health Research Center - a vitamin D research and advocacy group.
Grant is concerned that epidemic vitamin D deficiency in
Grant points to research suggesting:
- Higher vitamin D levels assist the body's innate immune system. Some studies suggest taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D/day will decrease your risk of seasonal flu. - The groups most affected by the H1N1 swine flu virus have been those most likely to be vitamin D deficient: pregnant women, obese people, those with Type II diabetes and children with neurological disorders. - Many of the deaths associated with the H1N1 virus have been pneumonia related, which means anything that would assist your body's innate immune system would make you less likely to be affected.
The worldwide vitamin D research community now recommends getting your vitamin D levels checked with a calcidiol test and maintaining vitamin D levels of 40-60 ng/ml.
November is Vitamin D Awareness Month in
www.vitaminDsociety.org www.GrassRootsHealth.org www.VitaminDcouncil.org
For further information: Michelle Di Rocco, (416) 360-6522 ext 251, [email protected] or Danna Barak at [email protected]
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